Recommendations for Decontamination and
Sterilization of Smith & Nephew Endoscopy Devices
This document was prepared to provide decontamination and sterilization instructions for the medical
devices produced by Smith & Nephew Endoscopy. These methods were developed using standard
equipment and practices common to global healthcare facilities.
These instructions were developed using the guidance given in AAMI TIR 12 (Designing, Testing, Labeling
Reusable Medical Devices for Reprocessing in Health Care Facilities: A Guide for Device Manufacturers),
ISO 17664:2004 (Sterilization of medical devices-Information to be provided by the manufacturer for the
processing of resterilizable medical devices) and Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 2030.
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General Information for Recommended Disinfection of Reusable Devices
Cleaning is the single most important step in preparing a device for reuse. Proper cleaning must be carried out to
achieve effective decontamination/sterilization.
Thorough cleaning and rinsing are vital to reprocessing reusable medical devices. The purpose of cleaning and
rinsing is to remove all adherent visible soil and to reduce the number of particulates, microorganisms, and
pyrogens. Also, thorough rinsing is important for removing any residual cleaning agents from the medical devices.
The recommended cleaning instructions in this document include both manual and automatic washing/disinfection
procedures. While manual cleaning is the most universal method of cleaning, automatic washing may be preferred in
some applications.
Cleaning Agents/
Equipment
Important Information/Recommendations for Use
Detergents
Enzymatic detergents with a neutral pH range (typically between 6.0 and 8.0) are
recommended. Detergents with a pH outside this range (i.e., neodisher® MediClean
forte) pH 10.5–10.9 have been approved for use with most devices. Some individual
exceptions are noted. Enzymatic detergents aid in the removal of organic soil such as
blood. Detergents should be used at the concentration level recommended by the
detergent manufacturer. EnzolT, EnzyCARET and Renu-KlenzT (neutral pH enzymatic
detergents manufactured by STERIS Corporation) were used in the validation of the
cleaning processes for Smith & Nephew Endoscopy devices.
Water
The quality of water should be considered for use in cleaning reusable devices.
Water hardness is a concern because deposits left on medical devices may result in
ineffective decontamination. In some cases, distilled water may be recommended in
the Instructions for Use for a particular device.
Disinfection Solutions
Solutions such as glutaraldehyde are sometimes used in healthcare facilities for
disinfection of devices. These types of disinfectants have not been validated as
sterilants for any Smith & Nephew Endoscopy devices. These solutions should be
considered as disinfecting agents only.
Ultrasonic Cleaner
Ultrasonic cleaners are designed for fine cleaning of medical devices, not for
disinfection or sterilization. Ultrasonic cleaning should be used only after gross soil
has been removed from the devices. Ultrasonic cleaners are used to remove soil from
joints, crevices, lumens, and other difficult-to-access locations. The use of enzymatic
detergent in the ultrasonic cleaner is recommended. Ultrasonic cleaners should be
monitored routinely to ensure they are working properly.
Automatic Washer/
Disinfector
Washer/disinfectors are not only used to clean devices, but also to provide
intermediate to high-level disinfection with a hot water rinse. Cleaning is dependent
on thorough coverage of the devices and the force of the water spray. Therefore, all
sections of the device must be accessible for ease of cleaning and penetration of
cleaning agents. The automatic washer/disinfector equipment should be operated
following the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use.
Manual Cleaning Aids/
Instruments
General purpose cleaning brushes and low-linting, non-abrasive soft cloths should be
used as indicated in device Instructions for Use. Brushes should have a tight fit, but be
able to be moved back and forth in the area being cleaned.
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Recommended Cleaning Methods for Reusable Devices
Efforts have been made by Smith & Nephew Endoscopy to validate reusable device cleaning methods to current
international guidelines. These methods were developed using standard equipment and practices common to
healthcare facilities. Other methods of cleaning may be suitable, but must be validated by the user of the device.
Warnings
These procedures do not apply to single-use devices. Smith & Nephew
Endoscopy does not support the reuse of single-use devices.
Enzymatic detergent solutions used in ultrasonic cleaners should be
changed before they become heavily soiled so that effective cleaning is
not inhibited.
When cleaning instrument sets, the case and instruments should be
treated as separate items. For automatic washing, devices must be
cleaned separate from the instrument case/tray.
All cleaning should be performed in a manner designed to minimize
exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Manual cleaning should be
performed with the instrument immersed.
It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the cleaning process, as
it is actually performed, achieves the desired result.
Limitations of Cleaning
Instructions
Products requiring more specific cleaning details are supplied with inserts
describing recommended cleaning methods. Users should check package
inserts (Instructions for Use) to determine if more specific cleaning instructions
are recommended for individual devices than those found herein. Where the
package insert only describes an alternate cleaning method, it may be used
interchangeably with the methods described herein.
Point of Use
Follow recommended “point of use” practices. These practices should include
keeping the devices moist after use to prevent soil from drying, and removing
gross soil from surfaces, crevices, hinged/mating surfaces, cannulas, joints,
etc. as soon as possible after use.
Preparation for Cleaning
• PRECAUTION: Products with accessories or parts that are detachable must
be disassembled for individual cleaning and then reassembled prior to
sterilization.
Note: Questions concerning the disassembly of any Smith & Nephew
Endoscopy devices should be directed to the Customer Service Department
(see Contact Information).
• Automatic Washing: Dried-on soil is difficult and sometimes impossible
to remove with automatic washing, especially at challenging design feature
areas such as joints and crevices. The removal of gross soil from these areas
prior to washing in automatic washer equipment is critical for achieving
effective cleaning.
Instrument Cases/Trays
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Instrument cases/trays are considered reusable devices. Trays should be
inspected for visible soil and must be cleaned prior to use. They can be cleaned
manually or in an automatic washer using a neutral pH detergent.
Device Cleaning
Cleaning of medical devices is dependent upon the extent of soiling and product design
features. Some Smith & Nephew Endoscopy devices do not have design features that
are a challenge to validated cleaning methods, while others do. Therefore, the following
cleaning procedures are divided into groups based on these criteria:
Devices without challenging design features
Devices with challenging design features
Examples of Devices Without Challenging Design Features
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rasps
Osteotomes
Knives
Sizing Tubes
Pins, Wires
Obturators, Trocars
Examples of Devices With Challenging Design Features
Cannulations (Lumens) or Holes
• Reusable Cannulas
• Cannulated Drills
• INTELIJET™ Rotatable Cannulas
• Fastenator Anchor Delivery Devices
• Hysteroscopes
• Direct-View/Videoarthroscopes
• DYONICS™ POWER/EP-1™/TRIVEX™ Motor Drive Units
Interfaces
• T-Handles
• Rotary Handles
• Quick Release Handles
• ACL REDUX™ Devices
• Fastenator Anchor Delivery Device
Hinged Instruments with Mating Surfaces
• ACUFEX™ Hand Instruments such as graspers, scissors, forceps
• Suction Punches
• Laparoscopic Hand Instruments
• Sterilization Trays
Instruments with Crevices
• Cutting Blocks/Strips
• ENDOBUTTON™ Holder Block
• GRAFTMASTER™ Boards/Bases
• Suture Vice and Tensiometer
• Sterilization Trays
• TRIVEX™ Illuminators
• Camera Heads
• Camera Couplers
• DYONICS™ Power Drills/Saws
• Light Cables
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Manual Cleaning
Devices Without Challenging Design Features
Note: For more details, refer to product-specific Instructions for Use
1.For devices containing a soak cap, ensure that the soak cap is in place over
electrical connectors prior to the start of cleaning.
2. Soak instruments for a minimum of one (1) minute in enzymatic detergent.
3. Use a cleaning brush or cloth to remove visible soil.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Check the instrument for visible soil. Repeat cleaning if soil is visible.
Devices With Challenging Design Features
Note: For more details, refer to product-specific Instructions for Use
1.For devices containing a soak cap, ensure that the soak cap is in place over
electrical connectors prior to the start of cleaning.
2.For devices containing suction levers or stopcocks, ensure that these features are
in the full open position, or disassembled as required by the specific Instructions
for Use.
3.Immerse instrument and soak for a minimum of five (5) minutes in enzymatic
detergent.
4.Use cleaning brushes to remove additional soil from challenging design features,
taking care not to scratch optical surfaces, if present.
a.Scrub interfaces several times using a twisting action if possible. If
components of the instrument can be retracted or moved, it is necessary
to retract or open in order to access and clean these areas.
b.Scrub inside cannulas or holes with a tight-fitting brush using a twisting
action. The brush should be of an appropriate size to ensure that the full
depth of the area is reached.
c. Scrub crevices and around hinged/mating surfaces with a brush.
d.Scrub each optical surface (if present) with a gauze pad soaked in an
enzymatic detergent.
5.If possible, it is highly recommended to sonicate the instrument in its fully open
position for a minimum of 15 minutes in ultrasonic cleaning equipment containing
warm enzymatic detergent.
Note: Some Smith & Nephew Endoscopy devices (e.g., camera heads, couplers
and endoscopes) cannot be exposed to ultrasonics. Refer to product-specific
Instructions for Use to ensure the device is compatible.
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6.Rinse thoroughly with warm water, making sure to irrigate the challenging
design features. If components of the instrument can be retracted or moved, it is
necessary to retract or open for thorough rinsing at these locations. Blind holes
should be repeatedly filled and emptied.
7.Scrub each optical surface (if present) with a gauze pad soaked in isopropyl
alcohol. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water.
8.Scrub each optical surface (if present) with a gauze pad soaked in acetone.
Rinse thoroughly with distilled water.
9. Check instruments for visible soil. Repeat cleaning if soil is visible.
Automatic Washing
Note: The following devices have not been approved for automatic washing or thermal
disinfection:
• Camera Heads
• TRIVEX™ Illuminators/Motor Drive Units
• DYONICS™ Power Drills/Saws
• Scopes and Couplers
Precleaning
Devices Without Challenging Design Features:
Precleaning is not required for used devices that do not have dried-on soil. Devices can
be placed directly into the automatic washer for cleaning.
Devices With Challenging Design Features
1.Immerse in enzymatic detergent and scrub cannulas, mating surfaces, etc. using
tight-fitting brushes. Use a twisting action where possible.
2.Sonicate in fully opened position for a minimum of ten (10) minutes in warm
enzymatic detergent.
3. Rinse with warm water.
Automatic Washing Cycle
1.Load the instruments in the washer such that all design features of the device
are accessible to cleaning and such that design features that might retain liquid
can drain (hinges should be open and cannulations/holes positioned to drain).
2. Run the automatic wash cycle - minimum cycle parameters:
• 5 minute cold prewash
• 5 minute enzymatic wash at 43° C minimum temperature
• 5 minute detergent wash at 55° C minimum temperature
• 1 minute rinse at 45° C minimum temperature
3. Check instruments for visible soil. Repeat cleaning if soil is visible and reinspect.
Thermal Disinfection
Minimum Cycle Parameters: one (1) minute at 91° C
Cleaning Verification
1.After cleaning, visually inspect devices under normal lighting for the removal of
visible soil.
2.For difficult-to-view design features, apply 3% hydrogen peroxide (bubbling is
evidence of the presence of blood).
Note: Rinse instruments thoroughly with warm water following hydrogen peroxide
testing.
Storage
3. Repeat cleaning if not visibly clean and reinspect.
Medical devices that will be stored between cleaning and sterilization should be dried
with a low-linting, non-abrasive soft cloth to prevent microbial contamination that could
result from wet instruments.
Instruments should ALWAYS be thoroughly cleaned prior to storage.
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Recommended Sterilization Instructions
The following recommended sterilization methods have been validated to sterility assurance levels (SAL) in
compliance with federal and international guidance/standards. Other sterilization cycles may also be suitable,
however the validation of cycles not included here is the responsibility of the individual user.
Warnings
•Reprocessing of implants or other single-use disposable devices
that have been soiled is not supported by Smith & Nephew
Endoscopy.
•Except where specifically noted, gas plasma and hydrogen peroxide
are not validated methods for Smith & Nephew Endoscopy devices.
•ONLY titanium implants may be sterilized in health care facilities.
POLYMER IMPLANTS ARE SOLD STERILE ONLY AND ARE NOT
RESTERILIZEABLE.
•Package inserts are provided with all implants and other reusable
devices to provide instruction for sterilization/resterilization when
applicable.
•These recommended procedures are intended as a general guide for
sterilization of medical devices sold by Smith & Nephew Endoscopy
and are not intended as a replacement for the package inserts.
•Specific instructions for sterilization listed in package inserts takes
precedence over the information listed herein.
Instruments (reusable devices) Most reusable devices are sold non-sterile. It is critical to properly clean all
reusable devices prior to sterilization.
Instrument Cases/Trays
It is important that proper cleaning of instrument cases/trays be performed prior
to sterilization. Reference the recommended cleaning procedures.
Preparation for Sterilization
Single-Use Devices Only
•Only sterilize non-sterile titanium implants and pins/wires that are
indicated for single use.
•Prior to sterilization of the device, remove all original packaging and
labeling inserts. Place the device in a suitable packaging for the
sterilization process, i.e., central supply wrap, autoclave pouches, etc.
•Special care should be taken to protect the device from contact with
other metal or hard objects that could damage the implant.
•Packaging should be inspected for punctures or other damage before
and after sterilization.
Reusable Devices
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• It is important that adequate cleaning be performed prior to sterilization.
•Reusable devices must be placed in a suitable packaging for the
sterilization process, i.e., central supply wrap, autoclave pouches, etc.
• Separate camera head, scope and coupler prior to sterilization.
•Sterilization cases/trays must be wrapped with an approved central
supply wrap prior to sterilization. The case/tray by itself does not
provide a sterile barrier.
• Do not stack sterilization cases/trays in the sterilizer!
Recommended
Sterilization
Parameters
High Temperature Prevac Steam
• Exposure temperature 132–135° C (270–275° F)
• Exposure time 3–4 minutes
Flash Prevac Steam
• Exposure temperature 132–138° C (270–280° F)
• Exposure time 3–4 minutes.
UK Steam Cycle
• Exposure temperature 134–138° C (273–280° F)
• Exposure time 3 minutes (minimum)
World Health Organization (WHO) Steam Cycle
• Exposure temperature 134–138° C (273–280° F)
• Exposure time 18 minutes
High Temperature Gravity Steam
• Exposure temperature 132–135° C (270–275° F)
• Exposure time:
– 10 minutes with the EXCEPTION of the following: DYONICS™ Power Drills/Saws,
Denervation Probes, and TRUKOR™ Instruments
Standard Temperature Gravity Steam
• Exposure temperature 121–125° C (250–254° F)
• Exposure time: applicable ONLY for instruments noted
– 10 minutes (Arthroscopic Cannulas, Obturators, Trocars, including INTELIJET™,
Direct-View Scopes, Video Arthroscopes)
– 30 minutes (all other devices)
100% Ethylene Oxide Cycle (A)
• Exposure temperature 50–60° C (122–140° F)
• Exposure time: Applicable ONLY for instruments noted
– Arthroscopic Cannulas, Obturators and Trocars are not validated for EO
sterilization
– 2 hours (Rotary and Quick Release Handles, ACL REDUX™ Devices, Suction
Punches, GRAFTMASTER™ Sets in Trays)
– 4 hours (All other devices)
• EO concentration 580–730 mg/litre
• Relative humidity 60–100%
• Aeration time: 12 hours
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10600015 Rev. B
Recommended
Sterilization
Parameters
(continued)
100% Ethylene Oxide Cycle (B)
•
•
•
•
•
Exposure temperature 50–60° C (122–140° F)
Exposure time: 60 minutes
EO concentration ~730 mg/litre
Relative humidity 35–70%
Aeration time: 12 hours
90/10 Ethylene Oxide Cycle
•
•
•
•
•
Exposure temperature 50–60° C (122–140° F)
Exposure time: 120 minutes
EO concentration ~600 mg/litre
Relative humidity 50–70%
Aeration time: 12 hours.
100% Ethylene Oxide Cycle (C)
• Exposure temperature 50–60° C (122–140° F)
• Exposure time: 60 minutes
• EO concentration ~883 mg/litre
• Relative humidity 30–70%
• Aeration time: 12 hours
100% Ethylene Oxide Cycle (D)
• Exposure temperature 52–60° C (125–140° F)
• Exposure time: 180 minutes
• EO concentration ~700–750 mg/litre
• Relative humidity 30–70%
• Aeration time: 12 hours
STERIS System 1®
•Sterilize as instructed in the STERIS System 1 User Manual (the standard cycle
contains no user variables)
STERRAD® 100
•Sterilize as instructed in the STERRAD 100 User Manual (the standard cycle
contains no user variables)
STERRAD® 100S
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•Sterilize as instructed in the STERRAD 100S User Manual (the standard cycle
contains no user variables)
Recommended
Sterilization Method by
Device Type
Device Type
Approved Sterilization Method(s)
Titanium Implants
High Temperature Prevac Steam
Non-Cannulated Metal Devices
Flash Prevac Steam
ACUFEX™ Handheld Instruments
UK Steam Cycle
(graspers, scissors, etc.)
WHO Steam Cycle
Cannulated Drivers, etc.
High Temperature Gravity Steam
Laparoscopic Instruments
Wires
Standard Temperature Gravity Steam
with 30 minute exposure
Rotary Handles
High Temperature Prevac Steam
Quick Release Handles
Flash Prevac Steam
ACL REDUX™ Devices
UK Steam Cycle
Suction Punches
WHO Steam Cycle
100% Ethylene Oxide (Cycle D)
with 4 hour exposure
High Temperature Gravity Steam
Standard Temperature Gravity Steam
with 30 minute exposure
High Temperature Gravity Steam
100% Ethylene Oxide (Cycle D)
with 4 hour exposure
GRAFTMASTER™ Sets in Trays
High Temperature Prevac Steam
Flash Prevac Steam
UK Steam Cycle
WHO Steam Cycle
High Temperature Gravity Steam
Standard Temperature Gravity Steam
with 30 minute exposure
100% Ethylene Oxide (Cycle A)
with 2 hour exposure
Arthroscopic Cannulas
High Temperature Prevac Steam
Obturators
Flash Prevac Steam
Trocars, including INTELIJET™
UK Steam Cycle
WHO Steam Cycle
High Temperature Gravity Steam
Standard Temperature Gravity Steam
with 10 minute exposure
Non-Autoclavable Scopes, including: STERIS SYSTEM 1®
10
• Direct View
STERRAD® 100S
• Videoarthroscopes
Ethylene Oxide (Cycle B)
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Recommended
Sterilization Method by
Device Type (continued)
Device Type
Non-Autoclavable Camera Couplers
Approved Sterilization Method(s)
STERIS SYSTEM 1®
STERRAD® 100S
Ethylene Oxide (Cycle B) with 120 minute
exposure
Autoclavable Scopes, including:
• Direct-View
• Laparoscopes
• Videoarthroscopes
High Temperature Prevac Steam
with 4 minute exposure
WHO Steam Cycle
High Temperature Gravity Steam
• Microlaparoscopes
Autoclavable Camera Couplers
TRIVEX™ Illuminators
Motor Drive Units
Operative Hysteroscopes
Multimode Scopes and Couplers
Hysteroscopes
High Temperature Prevac Steam
with 4 minute exposure
WHO Steam Cycle
High Temperature Gravity Steam
100% Ethylene Oxide (Cycle B)
STERIS SYSTEM 1®
STERRAD® 100S
STERRAD 100 (Hysteroscope only)
DYONICS™ Power Drills/Saws
High Temperature Prevac Steam with
4 minute exposure and 8 minute dry time
WHO Steam Cycle
High Temperature Gravity Steam with
35 minute exposure and 8 minute dry time
Fiber Light Guides
High Temperature Prevac Steam
with 4 minute exposure
WHO Steam Cycle
High Temperature Gravity Steam
STERRAD 100S
100% Ethylene Oxide (Cycle B)
Plastic Camera Heads
STERIS SYSTEM 1
STERRAD 100/STERRAD 100S
100% Ethylene Oxide (Cycle B)
Metal Camera Heads
03/07 10600015 Rev. B
100% Ethylene Oxide (Cycle C)
11
Recommended
Sterilization Method by
Device Type (continued)
Device Type
EP-1™/DYONICS™ Power
Approved Sterilization Method(s)
High Temperature Prevac Steam
with 4 minute exposure
WHO Steam Cycle
High Temperature Gravity Steam
Operative Laparoscope
90/10 Ethylene Oxide
Non-Autoclavable Microlaparoscope 100% Ethylene Oxide (Cycle B)
Denervation Probes
High Temperature Prevac Steam with
4 minute exposure and 20 minute dry time
High Temperature Gravity Steam with
30 minute exposure and 20 minute dry time
VULCAN™ Extension Cables
High Temperature Prevac Steam
with 4 minute exposure
High Temperature Gravity Steam
with 10 minute exposure
ELECTROTHERMAL™
20S Spine System
High Temperature Prevac Steam
with 6 minute exposure
Extension Cables
High Temperature Gravity Steam
with 10 minute exposure
Tenet Spider Limb Positioner/T-MAX
Shoulder Positioner Accessories
High Temperature Prevac Steam
with 3 minute exposure
High Temperature Gravity Steam
with 10 minute exposure
TRUKOR™ Instruments
High Temperature Prevac Steam
with 12 minute exposure and 20 minute
dry time, wrapped
with 14 minute exposure and 20 minute
dry time, unwrapped
High Temperature Gravity Steam
with 30 minute exposure and 20 minute
dry time, wrapped in muslin
Important Sterilization Notes
Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN),
and the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID) in Atlanta (USA) do not
recommend the use of flash steam sterilization on implants.
Contact Information
Smith & Nephew Customer Service: +1-800-343-5717 or +1-978-749-1000 in the
U.S., or contact your authorized Smith & Nephew representative.
™Trademarks of Smith & Nephew. Certain marks registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other trademarks acknowledged.
Endoscopy
Smith & Nephew, Inc.
Andover, MA 01810
USA
12
www.smith-nephew.com
+1 978 749 1000
+1 978 749 1108 Fax
+1 800 343 5717 U.S. Customer Service
©2005, 2007 Smith & Nephew, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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